Servo Extensions
#1
Thread Starter
Servo Extensions
Hope this is the correct location to ask this question. I have Futaba servos installed in a Funtana 125. The aliron (2), the elevator(2), and rudder(1) servos all require extension cables. I have been told that there is considerable voltage loss through the male/female connectors. Can I eliminate the connectors and solder the extension to the servo leads? Is there a special solder that should be used? Should the solder connections be off set?
#3
Thread Starter
RE: Servo Extensions
ORIGINAL: 4*60
Solder all you like. Offset not needed if shrink tube used, but it's OK for insurance. Solder for electronics rosin core.
Or just use 6.6v life packs.
Solder all you like. Offset not needed if shrink tube used, but it's OK for insurance. Solder for electronics rosin core.
Or just use 6.6v life packs.
#4
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RE: Servo Extensions
Imake my extensions now a dayswith the replacement and crimpers, more cost effective and it is a cleaner install when made to length. But it really does not make any difference whether soldered or stock. As for volts, follow the mfg's specs always.
#5
My Feedback: (90)
RE: Servo Extensions
Soldering is fine for servo extensions. If the extension is too long, the server will not center properly, regardless of how the extension is done. This depends on the type of the servo and the length of the extension. Suggest to test it first via the connector extension before cut the wire.
#6
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RE: Servo Extensions
If you do need an extra connector (wing removal)I recommend the deans micro. They are far better than the standard servo connectors and will give you minimal voltage drop.
#7
My Feedback: (11)
RE: Servo Extensions
While what you're doing won't hurt anything (unless you botch the soldering job ) it's not needed.
Most of us run long extensions in GS planes and there's really no problem doing so, what you're doing isn't that big in the grand scheme. My Funtana had the recommeded extensions and flew fine for years.
Most of us run long extensions in GS planes and there's really no problem doing so, what you're doing isn't that big in the grand scheme. My Funtana had the recommeded extensions and flew fine for years.
#8
RE: Servo Extensions
I have used a LIFE battery pack with several Futaba servos, but not the 3305. There are some NiMH batteries, though being high capacity packs, that don't supply the amperage a high torque servo will need. Most servos rated for 6V packs do fine with a LIFE. You may want to look at the switches you use, some that are fine for standard servos may be a bottle neck for a higher amperage set up.
#9
My Feedback: (41)
RE: Servo Extensions
I'm not recommending going against what's recommended but I will say.........
A 6 volt nimh or nicd fully charged is 1.45x5=7.25 volts. A life pack fully charged is maybe 7.4 volts for a few moments and settles into 6.8-6.9 fully charged, so I don't see the problem.
Has not been a problem on Hitec standard servos but can't speak to Futaba.
You might lose point/something... in volts by adding the extensions.
From Towers site
"This is the Futaba S3305 High Torque, Metal Gear Servo. per Futaba this servo is approved for use with NiCd batteries ONLY!
This servo can produce high-current draw from your batteries. If using NiMH or LiPo batteries, make sure they are capable of delivering sufficient amps. "
<pre>
SO the point is to use batteries that can provide the current draw and LIFE certainly can.
They are warning against hi capacity nimh with high internal resistance that can't provide the amps draw!!</pre>
A 6 volt nimh or nicd fully charged is 1.45x5=7.25 volts. A life pack fully charged is maybe 7.4 volts for a few moments and settles into 6.8-6.9 fully charged, so I don't see the problem.
Has not been a problem on Hitec standard servos but can't speak to Futaba.
You might lose point/something... in volts by adding the extensions.
From Towers site
"This is the Futaba S3305 High Torque, Metal Gear Servo. per Futaba this servo is approved for use with NiCd batteries ONLY!
This servo can produce high-current draw from your batteries. If using NiMH or LiPo batteries, make sure they are capable of delivering sufficient amps. "
<pre>
SO the point is to use batteries that can provide the current draw and LIFE certainly can.
They are warning against hi capacity nimh with high internal resistance that can't provide the amps draw!!</pre>
#10
My Feedback: (15)
RE: Servo Extensions
ORIGINAL: BarracudaHockey
While what you're doing won't hurt anything (unless you botch the soldering job ) it's not needed.
Most of us run long extensions in GS planes and there's really no problem doing so, what you're doing isn't that big in the grand scheme. My Funtana had the recommeded extensions and flew fine for years.
While what you're doing won't hurt anything (unless you botch the soldering job ) it's not needed.
Most of us run long extensions in GS planes and there's really no problem doing so, what you're doing isn't that big in the grand scheme. My Funtana had the recommeded extensions and flew fine for years.
Good luck
Dave
#11
Thread Starter
RE: Servo Extensions
Thanks Everyone: I think it was age getting to the elevator and rudder servos. I removed the 2 elevator servos and the 1 rudder servo. Unplugged from the receiver and removed the servos and cables. At the coupling for the extensions, I had to remove the heat shrink that I had installed to keep them together, then unplugged the connections and cleaned them. Put them back together and used connector clips, reinstalled all the servos and everything works great. All-in-all, I think the connections were just dirty or maybe a little corroded.
#12
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RE: Servo Extensions
ORIGINAL: BarracudaHockey
While what you're doing won't hurt anything (unless you botch the soldering job ) it's not needed.
Most of us run long extensions in GS planes and there's really no problem doing so, what you're doing isn't that big in the grand scheme. My Funtana had the recommeded extensions and flew fine for years.
While what you're doing won't hurt anything (unless you botch the soldering job ) it's not needed.
Most of us run long extensions in GS planes and there's really no problem doing so, what you're doing isn't that big in the grand scheme. My Funtana had the recommeded extensions and flew fine for years.
#14
Senior Member
RE: Servo Extensions
As Post #10 above shows, it is not good practice to have any connector buried where it is never or seldom exercised. Even the gold plated one can increase in impedance and cause servo jitters or malfunction if never excercised. If you do not occasionally unplug/plug the connections, you are safer with a soldered in extension.
#15
My Feedback: (2)
RE: Servo Extensions
ORIGINAL: Rodney
As Post #10 above shows, it is not good practice to have any connector buried where it is never or seldom exercised. Even the gold plated one can increase in impedance and cause servo jitters or malfunction if never excercised. If you do not occasionally unplug/plug the connections, you are safer with a soldered in extension.
As Post #10 above shows, it is not good practice to have any connector buried where it is never or seldom exercised. Even the gold plated one can increase in impedance and cause servo jitters or malfunction if never excercised. If you do not occasionally unplug/plug the connections, you are safer with a soldered in extension.
#16
My Feedback: (11)
RE: Servo Extensions
What is the definition of "Considerable".. yes there is a voltage drop due to the resistance of the connector, but not that significant...There is also a resistance created with a soldered connection. I just don't think it is worth worrying about... I use long extensions appropriate for the needed length and plug my servos... I used to make up "perfect" extensions, but the time was more than it was worth doing.
ORIGINAL: JohnB96041
Hope this is the correct location to ask this question. I have Futaba servos installed in a Funtana 125. The aliron (2), the elevator(2), and rudder(1) servos all require extension cables. I have been told that there is considerable voltage loss through the male/female connectors. Can I eliminate the connectors and solder the extension to the servo leads? Is there a special solder that should be used? Should the solder connections be off set?
Hope this is the correct location to ask this question. I have Futaba servos installed in a Funtana 125. The aliron (2), the elevator(2), and rudder(1) servos all require extension cables. I have been told that there is considerable voltage loss through the male/female connectors. Can I eliminate the connectors and solder the extension to the servo leads? Is there a special solder that should be used? Should the solder connections be off set?
#17
My Feedback: (2)
RE: Servo Extensions
ORIGINAL: JohnB96041
Hope this is the correct location to ask this question. I have Futaba servos installed in a Funtana 125. The aliron (2), the elevator(2), and rudder(1) servos all require extension cables. I have been told that there is considerable voltage loss through the male/female connectors. Can I eliminate the connectors and solder the extension to the servo leads? Is there a special solder that should be used? Should the solder connections be off set?
Hope this is the correct location to ask this question. I have Futaba servos installed in a Funtana 125. The aliron (2), the elevator(2), and rudder(1) servos all require extension cables. I have been told that there is considerable voltage loss through the male/female connectors. Can I eliminate the connectors and solder the extension to the servo leads? Is there a special solder that should be used? Should the solder connections be off set?
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RE: Servo Extensions
If you are looking for good extensions and connectors, I recommend www.taildraggerrc.com/servo-extensions-servo-arms-and-servo-accesories.htmlHis 20AWG extensions and MPX connectors are the best I have found (and a good price) .
Harry
Harry